Transportation mode hindering farm machines’ exports to Pak

Vijay C Roy

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 21

Ever wondered how bulky combine harvesters from Punjab are exported to Pakistan through Attari rail route? Firstly, major part of the machine is dismantled in such a way that it fits into the narrow door of goods train wagon. The process is not only time- consuming, cumbersome and costly but it also makes it difficult to load the machines due to its weight and size. 

All major machines which are exported to Pakistan are bigger than 6 foot X 11 foot size whereas the dimension of the door of the wagon is 7 foot (height) X 4.5 foot (width). The exports of the machinery through road route are not allowed. Perturbed over the issue, the exporters recently submitted a representation to the Commerce Ministry, highlighting their concern.  

According to the exporters, the trade of agricultural machinery between the two countries has a huge potential but due to this problem, it is restricted to around Rs 200 crore per annum. 

“As per statutory guidelines, agricultural machines such as combine harvester, straw reaper and thresher have to be exported in closed goods wagon of the train. So we have to dismantle all major parts of the machinery so that it can fit into the narrow door of the wagon. We have sent our representation to the Commerce Ministry to allow the exports either by road or in open wagons so that loading of the machines becomes easy,” said Upkar Singh Ahuja, managing director, New Swan Multitech Ltd.

The process is not only time-consuming but it also adds to additional cost to the manufacturer. “The exporters have to appoint a foreman to supervise the dismantling process at Attari border. Also, sending workers to carry out dismantling process and again commissioning not only affects our workers but also increases the input cost,” said Jagtar Singh, general secretary, Punjab State Agricultural Implements Manufacturers Association.

“We have requested the Central government to permit us to load agricultural machinery in flat bed or open trailer wagons or allow us to export by road,” he added. The exporters have to load the machinery from the land cargo station at Attari in Amritsar. 

According to the exporters, the exports of machinery are restricted to few hundred crores but it can jump multifold if the government facilitates in easy transportation of the agricultural machinery.

According to the Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers’ Association, the total size of the farm machinery in India is over Rs 32,000 crore, with over 1.50 lakh units, including large, MSMEs and tiny units engaged in their manufacturing. In Punjab alone, there are over 3,000 units engaged in the manufacturing of farm machinery and components.